Steffie Bryant and Alistair Brownlee to Keynote the 2026 HFA European Congress

Industry leaders in artificial intelligence, innovation, and performance will headline the premier gathering of fitness executives in London. The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) announced Steffie Bryant, president of Keepme.ai, and Alistair Brownlee, double Olympic triathlon champion and entrepreneur, as keynote speakers for the 2026 HFA European Congress.

The Congress will take place September 24–26 at London Stadium in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The two keynote presentations will explore significant forces shaping the future of the fitness industry, including artificial intelligence, digital transformation, performance, participation, and innovation. The event's theme is "One Vision. One Voice."

Bryant will deliver a keynote presentation on September 24, focusing on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the fitness industry. Her keynote is sponsored by Keepme.ai.

The fitness industry is at a turning point, with AI at its center. With over a decade of experience leading health club brands and her current role at Keepme.ai, Bryant brings a unique blend of operational expertise and technological vision.

Her keynote will explore how technology can empower teams, enhance member experiences, and unlock new strategic opportunities for fitness operators. Through practical insights and real-world examples, attendees will gain a roadmap for embracing AI with confidence and rethinking business potential.

Bryant began her career as a membership consultant and held leadership roles with Goodlife Health Clubs and Go Health Clubs in Australia before moving to the United Kingdom. She is now recognized for helping operators leverage emerging technologies to drive growth and operational excellence.

Brownlee will speak on September 25, sharing lessons from elite sport, entrepreneurship, and the future of health and well-being. As a double Olympic champion, founder of the sports nutrition brand truefuels, investor in the well-being sector, and advocate for youth participation in sport, Brownlee combines athletic achievement with business insight.

His keynote will explore how innovation, data, and community engagement can strengthen member experiences, increase participation in physical activity, and help fitness businesses build more resilient organizations.

Brownlee is the only athlete to win two Olympic gold medals in the individual triathlon event and has also won two World Championships, two Commonwealth medals, and four European titles. Beyond sport, he serves as an associate partner at Redrice Ventures, leads research at health data company Terra, and co-founded the Brownlee Foundation with his brother, Jonny Brownlee, to inspire children from all backgrounds to participate in sport.

> The future of fitness will be shaped by leaders who can embrace innovation while keeping people at the center of the experience. Steffie Bryant and Alistair Brownlee exemplify that balance. Both have built their careers in the United Kingdom while making a global impact through technology, performance, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. Their keynotes will challenge attendees to think differently about how they lead, grow, and create lasting value in an evolving marketplace.

The 2026 HFA European Congress will gather senior executives, operators, suppliers, investors, and industry partners from over 35 countries. It will feature more than 40 innovators from within the industry and peripheral sectors.

The conference will run from September 24–25 and includes a Sponsor Marketplace for interactions with top suppliers supporting industry education and advancement. On September 26, exclusive club and studio tours across London are offered as an add-on to registration.

Presented in partnership with ukactive and hosted locally by David Minton, founder of Evolve (formerly Leisure DB), the Congress is the fitness industry’s premier European event. It offers attendees insights into emerging trends, business opportunities, and the future of health and fitness worldwide.

> We are delighted to bring the 2026 HFA European Congress to London in partnership with David Stalker, Cameron Saunders, and the team at ukactive. London is one of the world’s leading hubs for innovation, health, and fitness, making it the ideal setting for this year’s Congress. We are also thrilled to have David Minton serving as the official host of the program, bringing his deep industry knowledge and longstanding leadership within the European fitness community to this event.